20 Games Nobody Thought Could Live Up To The Hype
10. Donkey Kong Bananza
During the '90s, Donkey Kong and Super Mario were almost neck-and-neck in terms of critical acclaim and sales. Though the Italian plumber has maintained his success, DK had a noticeable dip over the last few decades. Donkey Kong Country Returns and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze were well-received, but they didn't put the barrel-chucking ape back on top.
So, when Donkey Kong Bananza was revealed, players were overjoyed they were getting a three-dimensional DK game for the first time in 25 years. But at the same time, expectations had to be kept realistic to avoid being let down.
Luckily, the tie-sporting simian's latest escapade single-handedly brought DK back in the spotlight. Bananza built itself around its destructible environment mechanic, allowing the titular gorilla to burrow his way through almost any surface.
With the transformations, upgradable abilities, and avalanche of collectibles, Bananza offered a level of adventuring that gave Super Mario a run for its money. It also felt like the developers saved their best ideas for last, since the main campaign builds to an epic and surprisingly emotional showdown.
It was a long time coming, but we're relieved to say Donkey Kong is back.